Local farmer supports county

April 10, 2013

BRISTOLVILLE - The Trumbull County 4-H and Warren Family Mission will now be able to better serve the community, thanks to the support of local farmers James and Connie Pierce and America's Farmers Grow Communities.

Kristi McCann with Osborn Barr said Grow Communities, which is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, provides farmers in eligible counties the chance to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit organization of their choice.

To further support counties declared natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture due to drought this year, winning farmers in these counties are able to direct double donations, a total of $5,000, McCann said.

Trumbull County was declared a disaster area by the USDA, giving the Pierces the opportunity to choose two organizations to receive $2,500 donations.

They selected Trumbull County 4-H and Warren Family Mission.

Kiersten Heckel with Trumbull County 4-H said the 4-H will distribute the donation to fund a variety of programs within the county including providing scholarships for 4-H camp, supporting individual clubs with educational projects and promoting growth throughout the county with new clubs.

Michelle Beauchene of Warren Family Mission said the mission will use the donation to support its monthly food bag distribution and feeding programs that provide balanced meals to the hungry and homeless.

"It's nice to have the opportunity to donate to these charitable organizations. I know the money is being used locally to help those in need," James Pierce said.

This year, the Monsanto Fund will invest nearly $6 million in rural America through Grow Communities, which includes double donations for counties affected by the historic drought. In Ohio, $160,000 is being given across 64 counties.

For a list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, visit growcommunities.com.